My Son died at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort in Mactan, Cebu
I still remember that last day, May 27, 2000 in our hotel room at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort . It was right after we had breakfast getting ready for our glass-bottom boat ride. The video of “Be with you” by Enrique Iglesias was blaring on TV. Luijoe’s sisters shrieked ewwww mom except Luijoe and myself. They chided me for being so cheesy but Luijoe sat beside me and said you like that mama and I said yes. He said I like it too. Then we both watched it together.
That song is meant to be a love song but I can’t help thinking about the lyrics because it was the last song we listened together. The lyrics spoke so much of my indescribable grief and so, hearing the song always teared me to bits.
And now that you’re gone,
I just wanna be with you.
(Be with you)
And I can’t go on, I wanna be with you.
(Be with you)
Wanna be with you.
Miserable, depressed and inconsolable. Today, it’s different. The pain is not as searing as it once was.
In memory of Luijoe’s 8th death anniversary, I compiled the photos of Luijoe’s last few hours at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort with “Be With You” as the background music. Here is that video.
Through all the numerous media interviews I’ve encountered in the past years with regards to the death of my son, I am often asked Which resort did Luijoe die? followed by I want to avoid going there. I often say it’s not important or just look it up since it’s public record.
Ali Sotto (ABC 5) and Joy Rojas (Inquirer) were able to guess. Good for them.
The next frequently asked question is How did he die or what happened?
Due to the unresolved civil case, I cannot say much unless everything is in public record or my husband gives me clearance. Saying the name of the resort is a fact and stated as such in the death certificate if you drop by the National Statistics Office. No matter what Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort does…hiring the best PR agency in the country, adding a luxurious Amuma Spa, enhancing the features of their beach resort, it does not erase the fact that my son drowned in their swimming pool 8 years ago on May 27, 2000.
I know you are curious to know the details of the case. Rest assured, I will post the developments in this blog. I might even do live-blogging in the court room.
The civil case does not mean we have not moved on , or resolved our grief. It does not mean that our hearts are filled with bitterness. The legacy Luijoe has left is a love that transcends time and space. How could I stay bitter for long? I am happy where I am right now. But filing the civil case is the right thing to do. You will know in time.
In the event you drop by the swimming pool at the lovely Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, please say a small prayer for us, that justice will be served soon.
Luijoe died in this swimming pool.
Inspite of his death, I feel so blessed that God gave me six wonderful years with my son.
I am grateful that Luijoe died in a beautiful place and not of violence like the RCBC bank robbery victims , Gabriel’s freak accident or frat violence that killed Cris Mendez.
I don’t hurt too much when I think of him. I am always aware that my family is incomplete and frequently I experience a feeling of wishful thinking for what might have been. But I no longer think of Luijoe every day or feel the searing pain of loss that I felt for so long.
I can remember what a beautiful child he was. I can remember cute things he did. I can remember the no-so-cute things he did, also. I remember many precious things about him, but remembering does not hurt anymore.
Of course, not hurting does not mean that I don’t care that Luijoe is dead or that his his six short years haven’t affected my life - even today. It says I have changed how I react to his death.
I chose joy over sadness. It is said that grief is inevitable but misery is optional. I realized that it did no good to sit in my misery pit. It does no good for the loss of my son to lead to the loss of two.
What does do good is doing good. I decided to lead the second part of my life differently and better than I would have imagined …in the name of my son, Luijoe. I know that as I reach out to bereaved parents through The Compassionate Friends … the world is changed in some small way for the better, and then the actions taken become my living tribute to my son.
And then Luijoe is never entirely gone.
(Read my husband’s blog entry, Thoughts on the Death of my Son Eight Years After. After 8 years, he can finally look at Luijoe’s last day photo and even post it in his blog entry.)
Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort is managed by the Almont Hotel. Inc. of Cebu. They also own another resort, Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
Filipina mom) and my journey to a "new normal" after the death of 
My friends and I visited Maribago Resort back in 2006 for a vacation. I’ve been visiting your blog even before that and I think I’ve read in one of your entries that the same place where we were was the place where your son died. While strolling beside that exact same swimming pool, I remember you and your stories of Luijoe and I decided to offer a short prayer for him.
You have a resilient spirit, Noemi, and that is so admirable. I am sure your son in heaven is so proud of you.
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Such an adorable kid, I’m sure he’s up in heaven watching over you and your family.
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I recently stumbled upon your blog. A very heartwarming post. Continue to inspire more people.
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“I chose joy over sadness.” Powerful words. I’m deeply touched by your strength. Good luck with your case.
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im sorry for this… i cant help but write a comment… i never expected i am going to read this entry in my reader…
i hope wherever luijoe is right now, he is at peace… im very much sure of that… he’s with HIS creator now…
now about that song, yah, it should have been a love song with an upbeat music, but you gave a different meaning to the song… it’s now a grief song… the lyrics fit your situation… a very heartwarming lyrics…
i hope everyone is just as strong as you are ms. noemi… please continue to become an inspiration to everyone… may God bless you and your family.
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@James- it’s beautiful resort. Unfortunately, the resort has a responsibility to us via the civil case. Thanks for the prayer. That’s so sweet of you. I once went there in 2003, not minding the guards. Holding on to a bouquet of roses, I placed it beside the pool.
Haha, I must have freaked out the people swimming in the pool.
@fitz- you can not imagine how Luijoe shows signs that he is indeed watching over us.
@witsandnuts- yes I try to help with my experiences and how I recovered.
@faye- I am also amazed at myself. I thought I wouldn’t live to write this entry.
@yatot- it is a grief song. It used to pain me hearing the song during the early years of my grief. Today, I feel a tinge of nostalgia and memories.
We have an inner strength we never see until we tell ourselves we can be…
I’m so sorry for your loss. Looking at Luijoe in the photos, he is such an adorable kid and I’m sure you were very lucky to spend six years with him. He’s in a better place now, I’m sure. I’ll pray that you get the justice you deserve, and that those responsible for what happened be held responsible.
God bless.
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I could feel the love in the way this entry was written. It’s overwhelming. I’m praying that justice may be served soon. Losing someone strikes a tender spot in my heart, but rest assured Luijoe is in a wonderful place, way wonderful than where we are now.
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My friends get scared of resorts or places where people have lost their lives. They’re a very superstitious bunch. Still, it’s not reason to stop enjoying what we have today in the present.
Justice will soon be served.
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@dean- yes he is a beautiful boy. Thank you for the prayers.
@sophie- I felt overwhelmed myself. I often get carried away on days like these. Thanks for the prayers.
@jhay- ah yes many ask me that question. Where did he drown ? I guess they were superstitious. NO doubt the resort is lovely but something was not in place that day….
I thought your son died because of sick…Knowing the story, I feel so symphaty to you. I can imagine the sadness of this sudden tragedy. My prayer for you and the whole family.
What a lovely tribute to Lui. It’s strangehow our sons spoke to us just before thely left. I can still remember, like it was yesterday, how Migi’s last words to me were — “Will you be with me forever?” And next week it will be ten years na. Hay.
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@viona- the sudden death is just so shocking. I felt quite numb the first few years. I just couldn’t take the pain.
@cathy- Those words is what brings me comfort. It’s words that I live by just as you worked for Migi’s Corner.
As one of your regular readers, I’m inspired by what you’ve achieved 8 years after you’ve lost Luijoe - using your grief to fuel pursuits to help others recover, to find strength in new beginnings and to embrace a bigger family in the process. I am sure he smiles when he sees what has become of you and your family after he has gone away. I will say a prayer for him.
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We lost our baby brother sixteen years ago and it’s still a painful topic for my family.
I wish your family nothing but the best.
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such a beautiful boy. i’m sure his smile charmed a lot of hearts. you have such a strong spirit and an inspiration to those people who are lost but would like to feel that genuine happiness again.
it was also very nice to meet you at the Lipton event last night. take care and God bless.
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@amomandmore- It makes me happy that Luijoe is looking down at me and smiling at how I am today. I always think of him whenever I offer my work for others.
@benj- the pain never really goes away. I understand it’s still a painful topic
@dyosa- glad to have finally met you dear. Thanks for the kind words.
a hug from me noemi. i’ll whisper a prayer for your beautiful son.
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Hi Noemi! i’ve been a constant viewer of your blog since jessica soho episode. i’ve read about your son luijoe. he’s so georgous & adorable child. i know how hard each day for you missing him& knowing he’s not coming back anymore. like you im a mom of 3 & i also have 1 boy. it always broke my heart seeing luijoe’s picture during his last hour. i always pray for him…take care!
If you listen to a song, sometimes we have different interpretations. Just like with Enrique’s “Be With You”. For most lovers, it more of longing for someone you love romantically. In your case, it is more on longing for a family member you truly love.
I remember when my father died, there is this one song that actually pertains to a woman who left her partner. But since i remember him liking the lyrics of the song, i had a different interpretation on the song (Will write an entry about it on his 4th death anniversary).
My brother Carlo who is an autistic child left for England months ago, and i remember before he left, he kept on singing the song “When You’re Gone” by Avril Lavigne. Now, I remember one line from the song that he kept on singing and that’s what i am feeling right now *tears*
“I never felt this way before, everything that I do reminds me of you”
Sorry Tita Noemi for being emotional. I just realized that two of the most important men in my life are not here beside me right now.
I made my own “Music and Lyrics” entry on Missing Carlo
http://missingcarlo.filblogs.com/?p=68
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@lady cess - thanks for the hugs
@Paula- it still tears me to see Luijoe’s last day. Sometimes I wish I had a magic wand to bring back the time and reverse it. Oh well
@micamyx- I lost my dad when I was much older and I felt it was his time. But in your case, you are still young. It must have hurt a lot. It’s so sweet of you to be a loving sister to your brother. I am sure Carlo misses you. *hugs*
I remember seeing the website you made in memory of Luijoe, that’s how I got to see your blog. Parang that’s how we “met”. Your little boy has “brought” a lot of people in your life, maybe he wants to make sure you are “occupied” para di ka masyado maluingkot.
Talking about “reversing time” naalala ko tuloy yung isang telenovela na ganun ang plot. How we wish we can do the same. Maybe that’s what imagination is for… It’s good to know that your loss created a positive impact on your lives, esp with The Compassionate Friends. I’m sure you are a blessing to those you help. 
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I just hope and pray that your son will get the justice he And you family so deserve.
Hugs to you Noemi
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Luijoe is in a better place and he’s watching over you all.
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“Grief is inevitable… misery is optional” - How true! And so beautifully put too. I’m sure many are inspired reading about how you overcame the loss and grief. Hugs, Noemi! Many are with you in praying for justice for Luijoe.
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take care noemi and much love to you
Noemi, i’m from Cebu City. I am probably one of the worst, truant bloggers out here in the blogosphere, but whenever I get the chance, I always drop by your blog. I’m surprised to learn from this post that the incident actually happened here in Cebu. Three years ago, a friend of mine lost a cousin who also drowned in the pool of another resort here. The other year, a three-year old also drowned in another. Resorts and hotels bear the primary and higher responsibility in ensuring safety to guests, especially in its swimming pools because of its inherent hazards. Unfortunately, many resorts are operating without the required safety standards, some dont even have qualified lifeguards stationed theerin, and with no adequate warnings and signs displayed in the premises.Its really disturbing. The resort definitely should be held liable if proven to be remiss in its duty.
I most certainly hope that you and your family will obtain justice for this tragic loss.
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You saved those last moments in a video! I am sure you watch it now with mixed emotions. I am glad the pain no longer sears. You have perhaps put Louiejoe inside you, that way, he never goes away and you no longer hurt.
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Oh, it’s Luijoe. I am sorry.
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as i mentioned to you, my kids and i were reading all about louijoe on his anniversary, and we had one thought in mind–louijoe is also looking after our michael now.
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talagang dapat we should enjoy every moment na kasama natin ang mga loved ones natin. kasi we dont know kung hanggang kelan natin sila makakasama.
Hi Ate Noemi,
May you and your family continue to heal. My heart goes out to you and may you find the justice you seek. It willl not bring Luijoe back to you but hopefully it will bring you peace.
Sigh….I can’t help but feel sad…seeing the picture of your son, Luijoe, but I guess you just have to continue because life goes on…I’m praying that the case will be resolved the soonest possible time…God Bless….
well i am deeply touched by your determination and love for life !
I really envy your courage and strenght and hoping that someday i can also think and feel the way you do now.. I lost my first born daughter last March 11 this year due to a dengue shock syndrome, very sudden and and unexpected from a very healthy smart kid, i feel so shattered nowadays as i’m going through with my painful grief journey but reading your blog inspire me to hope that things will get better in time. .
Still aiming to find peace and comfort…. but in my case i think it will still be long way to go =( … or probably a lifetime search..
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son.I know your pain.I lost my 23 year old daughter 3-18-06
Please visit my blog at
http://childlossmclg.blogspot.com/
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what a beautiful boy! forever young and forever sweet. you’re doing the right thing. remember him and celebrate him always.
I have a six year old sone just like yours. I am starting to miss him now. I think I’ll take a leave today to be with him.